Morris tribune., 1887-01-05


and gave herself little shake OF re-
proof But Alson's glance had wan
dered afar through the gates to where
tumbling brook: Across the fanciful
rustic, bridge a railroad stretched far
away to the distant city. Dearer than
all her memories, came one of a moon
light stroll under those trees, a passion
ate voice whispering tender love words
into her willing ears. How quickly
the pain came back after the brief.
ecstatlc thrill of remembering. She
shrugged her shoulders at Jessie.
You probably imagine yourself one
of Hogarth's angels rejoicing over the
sorrows of men,"
No" replied Jessie. to herself.
angels keep their promises, and |
came near breaking mime. Oh, if l
only dared tell her. I mast say some
thing, or / shall explode" She pluck
ed a yellow-hearted daisy from the
grass at her feet, ahd commenced in
dustriously tearing it in pieces.
Alison" she faltered. giving side.
wise. bright look at the girl, ''Do-did
YOU ever hear from Howard Vance?"
Alison buried her pale face in her
hands.
''Hush"' she whispered, hcarsely.
He bade me good by to make a
journey of one month. That was the
week before our trouble came. Since
then he has been as one dead. He is
false, Ike the rest"
She hated herself for the love that
started into burning life at the mention
of his name. And all the wh le JeS-
sizes heart was singing: He is COM
ing. coming to restore you all you
have lost! Your fathers honorable
name, your old home. and. more than
all, your true lovers love-" She clasp
ed both hands tightly over her breast,
as if to still the happy beating:
Pretty ladT don't c'y Somebody
scOld oo?"
A flower soft hand patted Alison s
cheek, and two grieved blue eyes look
ed baby pity into hers. Jessie saw
Alison start. and look long at the beau
tiful boy-a mass of golden curls es-
Gaping from a blue velvet cap, suit of
the same rich material setting off the
peachy complexion-a household idol,
dainty and sweet.
Flowers. murmured the baby,
soberly, evidently thinking that this
case needed extra comforting, and
opening a crumpled pink palm, he
dropped into Alison's lap three poor
violet heads, withered and damp from
their warm prison. There was time
when Alison Van Dant would have re-
ceived this expression of cherubic good
will with Il warm clasp and merry kiss,
but now she suddenly rose and pushed
the child from her with Il force that
made the dewy lips tremble and the
blue eyes fill with big. frightened
tears. Jessie testified her displeasure
by kneeling and with pretty caresses
winning back the sunshine.
1T is through him L have lost more
than life -Ryall Gillette s child!' cried
Alison, stormilv.
You have lost something fairer than
house and lands, Alison" said Jessie,
sorrowfully. Il remember a girl who
was SO generous and loving, so
thoughtful of others in her high estate,
that the poor and unfortunate loved 20
call her My Lady Alison When
shall we see her again?"
when my father ceases calling from
his grave for justice upon his murderer!
Ryall Gillette, the old man who trusted
his friends son calls to YOU to clear his
name from the reproaCh of your own
viliiany. Take all my heritage, save
my father good name, and will bless
you!'
The young man, who lounged down
the walk toward them, tossed his cigar
away nonchalantly, and held out his
arms to the child.
Come to papa, darling" And the
boy sprang gladly to his embrace. Alli-
son walked rapidly through the gates
out into the free, pure air, untainted by
the poison of the serpent's presence.
But Jessie placed herself directly IN his
path.
Heed her warning, sir, for your own
sake. Tomorrow will be too laten'
He paused an instant. startled in spite
of himself by the girls air of stern con-
v:ction; then. recovering himself, his
thin lips curled in a cynical smile.
Il really must inform the servants
that my grounds are not open to all the
factory-girls from the city-insane fac
tory girls in particularly He set the
child upon its feet, and sauntered slowly
away, lighting another cigar as he
went.
Jessie watched him exultantly.
What would you say, Sir Tartuffe,
if you knew the net of your weaving is
closing around yourself? can't keep
the secret longer! I cannot!"
And you need notn' responded
manly voice, and from a thicket near
by stepped young man, who grasped
both her outstretched hands, his hand
some face glowing with happiness as
her own.
She gave an irrepressible cry of de-
light.
Howard Vance! Here at last Oh.
Alison, darling, how happy you will
be-"
He gazed eagerly through the gates
in the direction Alison had gone. He
well the messy seat near
the rustic bridge, at which his heart
told him she had paused for last look.
Across the bridge glittering steel rails
stretched far away in the level rays of
the sun, and FAINT and shrill through
the still air came the whistle of loco
motive.
Yes" he said, answering the girls
questioning look, Il expected to arrive
on that tram. But came half hour
ago by boat, and, hearing what way
you had taken, came through the small
gate behind the thicket, and played
l am no stranger to
these grounds, as you know" he added,
gaily.
Glow queer that we should all meet
herer' laughed Jessie. ''And what
grand closing scene and tableau you
might have made by rushing out,
denouncing the villain, and restoring
the rightful heIress to her place."
You came very near relieving me
of that role" he retorted. teasingly.
(Which is one more, added to count
less other proofs, that woman should
never be entrusted with Il secret. But"
his face darkening suddenly, "the ex-
posure will come, and tomorrow the
wretch who thought 10 lay his lie